Chapter 9. The Black Mercury's search.
8 figures marching together. Clad in black suits, a sweet progression of dark elegance.
"We're close to Antarra town. Stay on guard. Heard Eagle Fangs own this place," A man with a spiky haircut and brown eyes warns.
"Master Jacob. Where should we stop to rest?" a woman asks.
"Worry not, Ellen… We'll rest soon," he gasps and chuckles. "But not this town."
Kids' laughter fills the air as they run. Strangers chat as they walk. Tea shop and restaurant at the opposites.
They ascend close to a seashore. Men stand at the edge of the seashore collecting taxes.
"We'd love to cross," Jacob says.
One brings out a paper. "Alright, sign here. Fill in the names.Hold!" The man switches his guard on.
"What is it, officer…?" Jacob asks.
"You're the Alligator, Jacob!" the man yells.
Men's hands dive deeper into their pockets, ready to draw out their guns.
Jacob smiles. His hand rubs his head. "We can't afford to cause any trouble. Just let us cross. And Eagle Fangs shouldn't know—"
"Shouldn't know what?" A huge man. Stands behind.
Jacob sighs. "Sonny. You're here."
"Of course, Jacob. Afraid to face me?!"
Jacob smiles. "Nah! Just passing through."
"Gang members don't cross our paths."
"Sonny. We mean no harm…" Jacob speaks in a pleading tone.
"Tell me, Jacob. Where are you headed?"
Jacob chuckles."None of your business, man…"
A woman advances close to Sonny. "Boss. Got intel."
Sonny quickly takes her aside. "Speak."
"Mike and crew have been wiped."
Sonny's eyes flash with rage. "How? Who did it?"
"It just happened yesterday, sir. People say a woman did it."
"Any more intel about this woman?" Sonny asks.
She quietly points at Jacob's crew. "Probably one of those."
"What makes you suspect them?"
"Only one route leads here. And that's Vanilla Street."
Sonny turns to Jacob's direction. "Jacob!…" Sonny barks, with rage. He advances closer.
"Shion, come stand in front of me," Jacob calls quietly.
"Roger."
"How dare you?" Sonny lunges forward with a clenched fist. Heavy punch. Hurling towards Jacob.
Shion blocks the punch with an open palm. Sonny's men bring out their Guns. Tension in the air becomes palpable.
Sonny removes his hands, sneaks his other hand towards his pocket, draws out a pistol, and points to Shion.
Shion stands firm. Unflinching. Calm, weapon still holstered.
"Sonny. What did the woman say to you?" Jacob asks calmly.
"You're the last and only gang to walk Vanilla. You murdered my men!" Sonny barks.
"No. Not me. We didn't do that. We only walked through in peace," Jacob's words are still relaxed.
"You know this is my territory. I'm not to be lied to, Jacob!…" Sonny's rage is still heavy.
"Shion! Maxwell! On guard," Jacob orders.
The two figures remove their guns. Ready to pounce.
A man quickly arrives at the scene. Rushing towards Sonny. "Boss Eagle, sir! These people are innocent."
"What makes you think so?" Sonny asks.
"They are survivors."
Sonny looks with a piercing gaze. "Bring them in, now."
The two survivors arrive.
Sonny turns to the woman whose arm is in a cast. "Tell us. What happened in Vanilla?"
"Boss Eagle, sir. The incident was caused by a woman. Who uses needles as weapons. Fast. Killed one of our own, we chased. She fled to the woods… Killed many, killed Mike in the end."
"How come you guys survived?" Sonny asks.
"She broke my arm in a direct confrontation fight. Kick followed. I passed out. She fled."
"And you?" He points to the man.
"Her knee hit my face. I slumped unconscious. Mike took the last dance. Somehow, the woman had an emotional connection with Mike."
"Yes. After Mike died, she requested a shovel. Willing to bury. We refused. She stood and left," the veteran woman says.
"Hmm… who's this formidable warrior?" Jacob asks, wallowing in suspense.
"We never got a name. She left after the death of Mike," the woman replies.
Sonny looks at Jacob. "Sorry, man… I never intended—"
"Nah, cut it. Just let us pass…" he replies.
"Fine. Bonny!"
"Sir."
"Take them to their location."
"Worry not. My men are skilled. They paddle," Jacob says.
"Good. Hope you'll forgive my insolence? I'll treat you—anything in return." Sonny seeks to make amends, hoping to heal the rifts.
"If you don't mind, can you tell me where I can find Silas?"
"Great, everybody wants that guy… What is it about Silas?" Sonny asks.
"We need to make a negotiation."
"What negotiation?"
"The stranger that killed the red-hair goons."
"What about the stranger?"
"Heard his niece got abducted by Silas himself. Dude's after him."
"Where'd you hear that from?"
"Look over here." Jacob points to a woman who wears a black hat and black glasses. "Come, Nina."
Nina approaches closer.
"Nina's his ex-fiance. She gave the information."
"So his ex-fiance is an assassin?"
"Wrong. She's my mercenary. A top Level 1."
Sonny's visage balloons in surprise. "What? You're telling me this woman is a pro Level 1?"
"Indeed. You see, in Mercury, we value top powerful warriors."
"So right now, what's your plan?"
"I'm planning to buy the girl from Silas. Perhaps that will get the man to join us."
Sonny laughs. "You sure that girl is still with Silas? He might have sold her somewhere."
"Then we get her wherever."
"Fine. But it'll cost you."
"I'm open for the charge."
"Head east. You'll find Silas there. Careful, man… The dude's got backups."
"We're prepared."
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The sun bleeds out. Night crawls in, hungry.
Jessie struggles to put on her shirt, while sitting up on the bed.
"Stop, Jessie, you can't leave yet," a man with a moustache says. "It's too early.
"I need to leave," Jessie insists. Her voice is weak. But determination firm. She continues to dress.
"Your wounds need time to heal. You'll have to stay," he argues. "Going out, will open them up again, and_"
"I don't have time," she interrupts, her eyes narrow. "Kit, I'm leaving."
She starts to leave.
Kit sighs. His expression shows worries. "Jessie, I warned you, gangs are dangerous. You don't listen."
Jessie turns to him. Her face set. "I'll be back," she turns forward and walks towards the door.
"Jessie, I'm begging you. Stay," Kit says, his voice is serious. "It's for your own good. Your wounds might open up, you'll lose more blood... You could die"
She pauses. Her hand on the door. "Thanks, man... You've done more than enough."
"Make sure you survive," Kit says, with a softening voice.
"I will," she replies. She twists the handle and walks out.